(The following article by Jesse Bogan was posted on the San Antonio Express-News website on October 3.)
LAREDO, Texas — An international railroad bridge that officials say could dramatically cut traffic congestion in Brownsville and other Cameron County cities moved a step forward Friday with the issuance of a federal permit.
The so-called presidential permit allows for further planning and right-of-way acquisitions at the bridge site.
Under the West Rail project, the current Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge would be closed to rail traffic and a new span built in a rural area about 8 miles west of Brownsville.
Officials said the new location would alleviate traffic congestion in both border cities, as well as in Harlingen and San Benito.
Governments on both sides of the border will pick up the $39 million tab, Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa said.
The county and city of Brownsville are working together on the project, which ultimately calls for diverting rail lines away from downtown traffic arteries.
“We are thinking this is the solution to many urban problems in Matamoros and Brownsville,” said Arturo de las Fuentes, the Mexican project manager in Mexico City.
Hinojosa said the current route is risky due to the possibility of derailments in populated areas, and the delays hold back emergency responders.
County Transportation Director Pete Sepulveda said the current bridge opened in 1907.